Geography Option subject Why Geography?
Geography is unique as it combines social sciences with natural sciences. Human geography explores cultures, societies and economies whilst physical geography examines natural landscapes and the environment. Following a contemporary and issue- based approach, the AQA GCSE Geography course develops analytical skills and an understanding of the world in which we live. Both human and physical geography field trips extend this awareness, alongside developing practical and teamwork skills. Cartography, numeracy and literacy are also developed, whilst investigating the processes that shape our lives. What will you study? Paper 1 – Physical Geography (written paper worth 35% of GCSE): The Challenge of Natural Hazards: plate tectonics; earthquakes; volcanoes; weather; climate change The Living World: ecosystems; tropical rainforests; hot deserts Physical Landscapes in the UK: river and coastal landscapes Paper 2 – Human Geography: (written paper worth 35% of GCSE): Urban Issues and Challenges: megacities; urban growth and change in Lagos and London The Changing Economic World: global development; economic change in Nigeria and the UK The Challenge of Resource Management: global resource availability; food, energy and water in the UK; global food availability and management Paper 3 – Geographical Applications (written paper worth 30% of GCSE): A critical thinking, synoptic section of the exam, in which students are required to draw together knowledge, understanding and skills from the full course of study – a resource booklet is provided to students 12 weeks before the date of the exam A fieldwork section of the exam, in which students will be assessed on their understanding of the enquiry process both for fieldwork they have carried out and unfamiliar fieldwork scenarios Fieldwork: Two days of fieldwork are a compulsory element of the GCSE, one of which will have a human geography focus and one a physical geography focus
Exam board
Examinations Paper 1 (1h 30)
AQA
Paper 2 (1h 30) Paper 3 (1h 30)
30
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